Macao, July 20 -- China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) declared an "immediate prevention stage" Sunday morning due to the approach of Typhoon Wipha.

The Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau hoisted the tropical cyclone Signal No. 8, the third-highest level, and a yellow storm surge warning was in effect. Classes of secondary, primary, infant, and special education were suspended.

According to the SAR's Civil Protection Operations Centre, the Border Gate Checkpoint, the Qingmao Checkpoint, and the Zhuhai-Macao Cross-Border Industrial Zone Checkpoint were temporarily closed.

The Macao Marine and Water Bureau announced earlier that ferry services were suspended after the departure of the last ferry on Saturday night, ...